A lot of students are sitting at tables, ordering food or already devouring french fries and sodas. They must ave had the same decision to ditch classes, but I wonder how many are left at the school.

We walk into the Dinner and Carla Dean struts toward us, her face blazing in anger.

Aidan and Ben step in front of me, like the helicopter brothers they are. Austin wraps his arm around my shoulder, and I lean into him, taking my weight off my legs.

"I can't believe you idiots," Carla begins, pointing her finger.

Yesterday she was expelled from school. Apparently, not only had her boyfriend Adam been selling prescription pain medications, so had she.

I snort, pushing past my brothers and Austin's arm drops from my shoulder. "You're the idiot. Cheating on exams and tests, bullying, and selling drugs," I say, standing up to her. "You deserve to be expelled, to not graduate, to have whatever comes at you."

Carla cliches her fists, narrowing her eyes.

"People don't like you Carla because you're mean. You treat people like they are the dirt under you're shoes," I point to Carla's friends behind her, who are staring at us. "Your friends don't like you because you're a great person to be around, but because they're scared of you. So, whatever you're next step is, I hope that you gain a little bit of morality and compassion and have respect for not only the people around you, but also your self."

She stands in shock and I hobble past her, heading to an empty booth as my brother, Andrea, Austin, and the people from school cheer. I hear a loud screech and glance behind me to see Carla leaving, storming out of the Dinner.

"That was amazing," Andrea say, catching up to me. We sit down in the booth. Austin sits beside me, and Aiden and Ben sit beside Andrea. Each of them have wide, amused grins on their faces.

"What?" I ask, shrugging. "Someone had to tell her."

Austin smiles. "I'm glad you did," he says, flipping open the menu like he doesn't know whats on it.

Aiden fist bumps me. "My baby sister is a bad ass," Aiden says, laughing.

"I wish Whitney had of been here," Ben says.

"Where is she anyway?"

"She left for Christmas break early with her parents to Florida to visit her grandparents."

I pull back, surprised. "What? Is something wrong with her parents?" I ask, remembering how strict and uptight Patricia is with her daughter.

Ben laughs, shaking his head. "No. I guess her grandmother told Patricia to take the stick out of her ass and let Whitney have some freedom." Huh, funny how words can make such a difference.

Winston, a waiter comes to take out order. He smiles, taking out a pad and pen. "What can I get you folks?"

I keep a steady hand on the metal bar, my arms shaking a little.

I'm almost to the end. Just a few more steps.

"You did it," Mara says, clapping her hands. "You're really coming along, Emma," she says, stepping back and helping guide me to a chair. We're in her office, finishing up my last physiotherapy before the holidays.

Her office is a pale yellow colour, with lots of fake plants in the corners and on top of book shelfs. Yet, it still smells as if they were real.

I put my shoes on. "I haven't made any significant progress," I say, looking at her.

"You're walking," she points out. "That's a lot more than a lot of patients get to say. Don't be so negative. It takes time to heal."

I sigh, zipping up my jacket. "I know."

Mara smiles. "Is Jude coming to pick you up?"

The mention of Jude makes me laugh. "No, Austin is picking me up and we're going to the movies," I say. Her cheeks turn a deep pink, embarrassed. Jude normally picks me up after my appointments, but only to see Mara.

She helps me stand, handing me the crutches. I readjust them under my arm, beginning to leave. Mara follows me out to the receptionist desk and waiting area, also full of fake plants. Out the window I see Austin's jeep waiting outside.

"Have a great time at the movies, Emma," Mara says, waving.

I leave the building, heading to the jeep. Austin gets out, hurrying to the passengers side to open the door. He plants a kiss on my lips, smiling. "Princess," he says, taking the crutches after I get in. The engine has been running, the heat set to high.

I groan, narrowing my eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?"

Austin smirks. "What movie do you want to see?" he asks, changing the topic and ignoring me as he shoves the crutches into the back behind me.

"Something to laugh at," I determine.

"We can get dinner afterwards," he says, getting into the drivers side.

I nod, agreeing with him. "I'd love some tacos and chocolate cake," I say, sighing.

Austin chuckles. "Maybe we should get dinner first," he says, pulling out of the clinic and heading driving towards the movie theatre. "Then the movie."

"I love the sound of that," I say, laughing.

"How was you're appointment?"

"Same as always," I say, yawning. "Exhausting."

"I bet," he says. "So, I have something to tell you."

I turn to face him. "That sounds like a horrible and cliche break up line," I say, raising my eye brow.

Austin smiles. "I'm not breaking up with you Emma. Not after I just got you back," he says, glancing at me. "I wanted to tell you I got accepted into Carleton University."

"What? No way," I say, gasping. "That's amazing! I'm so proud of you! When did you get the letter?"

Austin smiles. "A few weeks ago," he admits.

I hit him on the arm. "You should have told me sooner!"

He shrugs. "We weren't exactly talking a few weeks ago," he chuckles. "And you were having surgery. Its not that big of deal anyway."

I roll my eye. "Its great news, and a big deal! Did you get a basketball scholarship?"

Austin nods, smiling. "A full ride as long as I keep my grade up. So, where do you want to eat?"

"We can go to Boston Pizza," I say, pointing to the sign up ahead. "Did you get into any where else?"

He nods, pulling into the Boston Pizza's parking lot. Its a Monday afternoon, no busy at all. "I got into Toronto University, Brock, and Queens. You know, if you get into Queens, its only a about an hour an a half to Carleton. We'll be able to visit each other."

Austin parks the car, getting out and coming around to help me.

I smile. "You're so sweet," I say, taking my crutches and walking into the restaurant with Austin. He holds the door open, bowing gracefully.

"After you, Princess," he says, earning a glare from me. Walking in, there is a few people sitting at tables and booths, but it isn't packed. The waitress, Iris, according to her name tag, greets us and escort us to a booth.

Austin orders a coco cola and I order a iced water.

"Do you two need a few minutes?" Iris, the waitress asks.

Austin shakes his head. "No, I think we know what we want," he asks, glancing at me. "We'll start with two large pieces of chocolate cake"

Iris smiles. "Okay, great! I'll be right back." She leaves and I chuckle.

"The start to a great night" I say.

"Agreed. And the best part is being here with you."